Chronicles of McGonigle Season 2 Episode 14: Lobster Fishing

Editor's note: This is the second season of Chronicles of McGonigle, starring Adrenaline's Sean Mcgonigle as he makes his way via motorcycle from Panama City, Panama back to San Diego. The first season of Chronicles featured the former Syracuse defenseman traveling through Southeast Asia. If you haven't checked this stuff out, it's an amazing story, with excellent footage and commentary. Here's the full list of videos here.

As I descended deeper into the murky water, I struggled to relieve the tension that had built up in my head- it felt like a balloon ready to pop. As I paused to clear my ears, I was pulled down by the same cord that was allowing me to breath, a sudden reminder of just how sketchy this really was.

Jake and I had been on our way to a lazy day of surfing and sun bathing when we passed 8 men on the side of the road, geared up and ready to go diving. They had long spears, scuba gear, and 100s of feet of rope, but interestingly enough no tanks. It turns out the rope was actually an air hose, and these were lobster fishermen getting ready to head out to sea. They usually left around 8am and returned at 5pm, a long day to be in an open hulled boat getting beaten by the sea and the sun alike.

As usual after talking to these surly guys for a few minutes, Jake and I decided we had to go with them and give their trade a try. It looks easy, but diving off a surface compressor, with no dive watch, depth finder, or computers made for a nerve wracking day and a once in a lifetime set of memories.